Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos

Sandia Pueblo’s new Early Childhood Center fosters creativity

Sandia Pueblo celebrated the grand opening of a new Early Childhood Development Center on Friday, unveiling a facility that tribal leaders say was designed with child brain development at the forefront. Gov. Felix Chaves and other tribal leaders joined U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., and other dignitaries for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the center, which […]

Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque

Torrance County approves emergency declaration for Melody Ranch water crisis

Torrance County commissioners unanimously approved a disaster declaration Monday for the failing Melody Ranch water system, a move that could unlock state financial resources for residents who have been without reliable water service for months. The Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 to adopt Resolution 2025-45 during a special meeting, declaring a 30-day state of […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Pueblos

USDA: Emergency funds will not be used for SNAP during shutdown 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says  emergency funds won’t be used to provide SNAP payments to states if the shutdown continues into November, as Senate Democrats insisted was possible. In a memo released Friday, the USDA blamed Democrats for the nearly 24-day government shutdown and said that money from the contingency funds cannot be […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque

Months after launch, Sandoval dispatch center now operating independently

After months of technical difficulties, Sandoval County’s new public safety dispatch center is being all it can be. Since it opened July 1, the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center of Sandoval County had been beset by reliability issues, with most calls being picked up by Rio Rancho dispatchers. County Manager Wayne Johnson announced at Wednesday’s […]

Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque

Torrance County to consider disaster declaration for Melody Ranch water system failure

The Torrance County Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting Monday to consider declaring a disaster over a water system failure that has left the Melody Ranch community without reliable water service since June. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the county offices at 205 S. Ninth St. and will also […]

Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News, Westside Albuquerque

Heinrich, Luján push back against claims that USDA can’t access funds for SNAP due next month

By Alex Ross  — New Mexico Democratic Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday disputed claims made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that they lack the funds to cover the cost of next month’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Heinrich and Lujan were among 45 Democratic Senators who signed […]